Eight Ways to Remove Bumper Sticker Materials & Residue

Sometimes politicians disappoint, opinions change, and favorite brands go downhill. These things might make you want to get rid of a bumper sticker. The same goes when you decide to resell a vehicle. Regardless of the reason, be sure to use one of these safe techniques that won’t harm your car:

Adhesive Removal Products
Think about buying a cleaning product like 3M Adhesive Remover or Goo Gone. It will remove bumper sticker decals and residue along with other sticky things like chewing gum. Apply it to the sticker and leave it there for several minutes. Wash the bare surface afterward.

An alternative is to use WD-40. Peel away one corner of a sticker and spray it. Isopropyl alcohol or water and soap can help you banish any leftover residue. Consider waxing your bumper afterward to enhance its appearance.

Removing an Interior Sticker
If someone attached a sticker to the inside of your vehicle, you’ll need to act cautiously. One solution involves applying watered-down dish detergent to the decal and letting it soak into the sticker material. Peel the decal away afterward and put conditioner on the surface if it’s leather.

Common Tools You Can Safely Use
Razor blades work well when motorists want to banish old stickers from automotive glass. On the other hand, it isn’t wise to use a razor blade when you’re working on a bumper or any other painted material. It could damage the paint, possibly causing the metal to rust.

A scraper or putty knife made of plastic can safely remove stickers from paint. The same goes for an expired plastic credit or gift card. Start at the edge and scrape until the decal is gone. You may still need to use an adhesive removal product afterward.

Remove Bumper Sticker with Heat
If you own a hairdryer, it can help you peel off stickers. Use its low setting and hold it about a half-foot away from an unwanted decal. Move the appliance around to heat up different parts of the sticker. After 60 seconds, start peeling up the corners with an old debit card.

Put some isopropyl alcohol on a piece of cloth and use it to remove adhesive residue once the decal is gone and you’ve shut off the hairdryer. Remember to use this appliance safely. Holding it too close to your car’s paint can cause damage. It’s also risky to use an extension cord.

Boiling water offers another solution involving heat. To use this economical technique, boil a pot of water. Apply it to the unwanted decal to loosen the adhesive. Next, you can remove the sticker with a plastic putty knife or expired credit card.

Loosen Decals with Vinegar
If you’d rather avoid high temperatures and harsh chemicals, try using inexpensive white vinegar instead. Generously apply it to a sticker with paper napkins or a sponge. This will make it less difficult to peel away the decal with one of the above-mentioned tools. Vinegar can also eliminate adhesive residue.

Let the Experts Remove Bumper Sticker Decals from Your Car

Are you too busy or don’t have the right equipment and supplies to complete this task? The vehicle maintenance experts at Valley Automall can help. Our staff knows how to thoroughly remove bumper sticker decals and residues from any surface. Contact us 702-570-2257 today to schedule service today.